Marrok
Sir Marrok, the Werewolf Knight, is remembered for a haunting legend of betrayal and transformation—where, despite living as a wolf, his loyalty and noble spirit never faded.
Introduction#
Sir Marrok is a minor yet fascinating figure in Arthurian tradition. Known as a loyal Knight of the Round Table, he is remembered primarily through a curious legend in which he is transformed into a werewolf. Although medieval romances mention him only briefly, later storytelling traditions expanded his character into a tale of betrayal, enchantment, and endurance.
Through this legend, Marrok stands at the intersection of chivalric romance and folklore, embodying themes of loyalty, identity, and the triumph of inner virtue over outward appearance.
Epithets | The Werewolf Knight
Alternative Names | Marrocke, Merrak, Mewreke
Role in Arthurian Legend#
Marrok appears in Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur as one of the knights of King Arthur’s court.
He is listed among the knights who accompany Arthur during the campaign against Emperor Lucius of Rome, serving alongside renowned companions such as Lancelot, Bors, Kay, and Sir Marhaus. Later he is also named among the knights who attempt to heal Sir Urre, a wounded knight whose magical affliction could be cured only by the touch of the purest knight.
These references establish Marrok as a trusted member of Arthur’s fellowship, even though the romances offer little detail about his deeds.
The Werewolf Legend#
Marrok’s most memorable story comes from later Arthurian folklore rather than the major romances themselves.
According to the legend, Marrok was betrayed by his wife, who discovered the secret of his ability to transform into a wolf. When he changed shape, she stole his clothing—the garments required to return to human form—and left him trapped as a wolf.
For seven years Marrok lived among wolves while retaining his human mind and moral character. Despite being hunted and feared, he never harmed anyone.
During a hunt, a king or nobleman noticed the wolf’s unusual behavior and spared his life. Eventually Marrok’s hidden clothing was recovered, allowing him to regain his human form and return to Arthur’s court.
The tale emphasizes a classic medieval theme: the difference between outward form and inner virtue. Though others saw only a beast, Marrok remained a noble knight in spirit.
Parallels with Other Werewolf Knights#
Marrok’s story closely resembles other medieval tales of noblemen transformed into wolves.
The most famous example is Marie de France’s Bisclavret (c. 1170). In this Breton lai, a knight who secretly becomes a wolf is betrayed by his wife, loses his clothing, and remains trapped in animal form until his innocence is recognized by a king.
Another related story appears in the lai Melion, where a knight is transformed into a wolf through enchantment and must endure hardship before regaining his humanity.
These stories belong to a broader medieval motif in which noble figures are transformed into beasts as a test of loyalty, honor, or moral strength. Marrok’s legend appears to draw from this same tradition.
Later Traditions and Death#
Later Arthurian traditions occasionally place Marrok among the knights who fought in Arthur’s final war against Mordred. Like many of the Round Table knights, he is sometimes said to have fallen during the last battles of the kingdom.
However, the medieval sources do not describe his fate in detail, and his ultimate end remains uncertain.
Legacy#
Although Sir Marrok is only a minor knight in the major Arthurian romances, the legend of the Werewolf Knight gave him a distinctive place in later retellings.
His story illustrates the medieval fascination with shapeshifting and curses, while also reinforcing a central theme of chivalric literature: that true nobility lies in character rather than outward appearance.
Through this combination of folklore and knightly romance, Marrok remains one of the most unusual figures associated with the Round Table.
Sources#
Le Morte d’Arthur | Sir Thomas Malory, c. 1469–70
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400
Syre Gawene and the Carle of Carlyle | c. 1400
The Carle of Carlisle | early 16th century
Bisclavret | Marie de France, c.1170
